Federico Garcia Lorca

I'm smitten. Lorca is eloquent, magnificent, and one of Spain's most acclaimed poets. He believed himself the descendent of Egyptian Gypsys, and most certainly exemplifies duende. If you don't know what that means and you like to do research, you now have your assignment for the month. For those of you who couldn't do research with the help of a 19-year-old computer whiz, I offer the following explanation, expressed by Lorca in 1930...

"The duende is a power and not a behavior, it is a struggle and not a concept. I have heard an old guitarist say: 'Duende is not in the throat; duende surges up from the soles of the feet.' Which means it is not a matter of ability, but of real, live form; of blood; of ancient culture; of creative action."

It is also explained by Goethe, when speaking of Paganini: "A mysterious power that all may feel and no philosophy can explain." Don't know Goethe or Paganini - you're on your own.

For good examples of duende American style, listen to Billie Holiday, Cassandra Wilson, Miles Davis, or John Coltrane. For good measure, really sit down and listen to "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke.

So there you have it...my latest crush(es)...Lorca and Sam Cooke.

Escape

Vacation can't come quickly enough. Both Tony and I are ready to be away from the day-to-day routine and spend some time together. Personally, I'm ready to escape. I'm ready to wander, to explore, and to let my mind unwind. At least this is a 3-day weekend, right?

Ivy & Daddy

A better picture of my pretty, pretty niece and her daddy.

My Brother's Family

Most of you have never met my brother, so here he is - Dana, with his wife Chris and their kids (also known as my nephews and niece). Austin is 7, Dakota just turned 5, and Ivy will be 3 in September. In case you didn't notice, Ivy loves to pose.

Mama

Mama poses like a queen in front of the handrangea bush, or is that a snowball bush? She's just as beautiful as her mother, isn't she?

Granny

This is Granny - my maternal grandmother. Her real name is Annie Ruth, but nearly everybody calls her Granny. I hope that I'm that beautiful when I'm 90.

Travel

I spent yesterday afternoon looking through travel photos. It's always exciting to look back at all the places I've been fortunate enough to see and experience. And I realized that the most fun and interesting parts of vacation for me are the times when we're just wandering about, not specifically focused on seeing any one thing. Sure, the well-known sites are a must; however, it's the little things that really stick in your mind when you get back home. This photo is one of those little things. In 2005 we were in Paris with Rachel and Veronica. Tony surprised me with a renewal of our wedding vows - 10 years at the time. We met Brandy in her neighborhood with the rain falling ever so lightly. We walked, slowly, straight uphill to an intimate and perfect spot to renew our vows. As we walked, I was overwhelmed by how blessed I was to have such an amazing husband, wonderful daughters, and fantastic family and friends. And then I passed by this door. For me, it represented all the beauty and wonder that was left to come - all the doors left to open. So, I share with you this photo, and this memory - of a girl wandering about Paris, not specifically focused on seeing any one thing, and filled with hope for an amazing future.